Privacy and security statement

Last updated:
9/19/17

Privacy and security statement

The City of Boston is committed to providing web users with convenient and secure e-government services. Thus, we are very dedicated to protecting the privacy of our visitors. This statement will explain why information is collected when you visit Boston.gov, hereafter referred to as "the site," and how that information is used and if it is shared with any third parties.

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Data Collection

The City of Boston does collect information about visitors to the site. This information is used for analytical and statistical purposes to help better manage the site. Information that is collected includes:

The type of browser (for example: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) used and the operating system on a user's computer;

The date and time a user visited the site; and

The web pages accessed at the site, as well as any applications used and forms data.

We use this information to learn how many visitors we have, where they are coming from, which parts of our website are of most interest to users and other facts that will help us improve the website and the services we offer. In order to accomplish these goals, the City regularly conducts statistical analysis of the data it collects.

Use of Cookies

The City of Boston uses cookies that are pieces of information generated by our web server and stored on the end user's computer for future access. The City does not store any user's personal identifying information (such as name, address, etc.) but keeps track of actions taken on the site such as whether the restaurant disclaimer has been read in the Mayor's Food Court application. This helps us to avoid presenting repetitive information to users before they access the various e-information applications on City's website. We believe that this use of cookies does not compromise a user's privacy and security. At any time, users have the capability to turn off the cookies using their browser settings.

Sending of Email

If you send us an electronic mail message, either through your mail program or by using one of the online contact forms, we will only use the personally identifying information to respond to the request. We may direct your message to another government agency that can help in fulfilling your request. This personally identifying information will not be shared with any third party or other governmental agencies not directly handling your request.

Online Transactions

Every effort is made to protect any sensitive personal information you give online. The site uses a secure server for conducting online financial transactions. All credit cards and other payment information that you transmit will be protected by encryption technology, provided that your browser is properly configured and your computer is operating properly. The encrypted information is shared only with our bank and a credit card clearinghouse, both of which also operate secured servers. Access to these records is limited to a very small number of employees who need it in order to perform a specific job.

E-Newsletters

The City offers several e-newsletters to inform users about City initiatives, programs and events. These are "opt-in" newsletters, meaning that users must indicate their interest by signing up for the e-newsletter and providing their email addresses. Should any user wish to be "unsubscribed" at any time, this option is sent out at the bottom of each newsletter. As additional newsletters may be established, all will be operated on an "opt-in" policy. Invitations to join the newsletters may be generated from emails sent to the City.

SMS (Text) Messages

The City of Boston may periodically offer SMS alerts. By signing up to receive these alerts, subscribers acknowledge that SMS message charges may apply depending on their individual mobile carrier and plan.

Sale of Data from the Website

The City will not rent, sell or give away any personally identifying information entered into the site (name, address, phone number, etc.) to third parties for marketing or mailing list purposes without your permission. We will also not disclose credit card information, except for purposes related to your transaction or as required by law.

Endorsements, Links, and Disclosure to Third Parties

In the best interest of the constituent, content on the site is designed chiefly to provide information and help fulfill service requests.

Any inclusion of third-party hyperlinks, images, applications, or references on the site does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the City of Boston. Their inclusion is simply to provide users with relevant information and resources.

As a governmental agency, the Public Records Law, M.G.L. C. 66, Sec. 10 governs our activities. Any information received through use of the site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper. Otherwise we do not share any personally identifying information with any third party. For a more complete discussion of the implications of the Public Records Law, please refer to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary of State's Office that include FAQs as well as the text of the statute.

Children

BCYF Youth Engagement and Employment provides information about youth services and programs. It also publishes web content from Boston youth in approved after-school or summer programs. This site in its entirety conforms to the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. In an effort to reach our youth constituency, users can become members of the site that entitles them to receive email and early notification of events or programs of interest to them. There are no message boards, chat rooms or the ability for youth to interact with each other. The membership will only be used to inform users of events, programs and activities of interest to them. In addition, all the privacy protections provided under the CityofBoston.gov apply to the Youth Engagement site.

Security

For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, the City employs commercial software designed to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law.

Intellectual Property

Content on the site, including the City Seal, images, and graphics, is copyrighted either by the City of Boston or by a third-party provider. Any third party images, graphics, or content on the site is used with permission from the copyright holder. Before reproducing or otherwise using any content from the site, including images and graphics, users must obtain permission from the appropriate copyright holder.

City of Boston Web Page Disclaimer

The City of Boston does not make any warranties or representations with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of any information or materials contained on the City of Boston web server or through links to other servers, including but not limited to: text, graphics, applications, databases, services, or any other information or materials. Nor shall the City of Boston assume any legal liability for the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of said information and materials.

The information and materials contained on this website have been compiled from a variety of sources and, as such, are subject to change without notice. In no event will the City of Boston be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special, arising from the use of information provided on this server or through links to any other servers.

Communications to the City via this website shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal or official notice to the City of Boston, its agencies, officers, employees, representatives or agents with respect to any existing, pending or future claim or cause of action against the City of Boston or any of its agencies, officers, employees, representatives or agents where notice is required by Federal, State or local law. Nor shall communications to the City via this website be deemed to constitute legal or official notice for any other purpose.

For comments, suggestions or corrections regarding the information contained on this website, please contact us at feedback@boston.gov.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy and security, please contact us at feedback@boston.gov.